In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky tours and interviews Jonathan Kuester, Director of Historic Wagner Farm, one of the last working farms in Cook County and a hidden gem in the heart of Glenview, Illinois.
Wagner Farm isn’t just a charming place to see cows—it’s a fully functional educational farm that teaches thousands of students and visitors each year about agriculture, history, and food systems. From 4-H programs and special needs student farming to robotic milkers and how federal policy shaped the modern food industry—this episode covers a wide-ranging and eye-opening look at farming in the past, present, and future.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The history of Wagner Farm and its preservation by the Glenview Park District
• How suburban students are learning real agricultural skills, including special education programs
• Why 4-H is thriving in Glenview—and has a waitlist
• The surprising legacy of Cook County as a dairy leader
• How Nixon-era policies reshaped small farming in the U.S.
• The role of robotics, drones, and data in today’s farming practices
• Why maintaining farming skills is critical for our future
🎧 Listen to more episodes:
👉 https://www.thechicagolandguide.com/
📍 Visit Wagner Farm:
👉 https://glenviewparks.org/facilities/historic-wagner-farm/
📅 Wagner Farm Farmers Market:
Every Saturday, June–October | 8 AM – 12 PM
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#ChicagolandGuide #WagnerFarm #Glenview #ChicagoHistory #UrbanFarming #4H #RoboticMilking #LocalFood #AgricultureEducation #GlenviewParkDistrict
